Israel’s interests make it imperative to approve it. Anyone who is opposed must ask what the alternative is. In the opposition, it is possible to oppose the government and not propose solutions – but when you are in the government, it is not possible to make do with a vote about possible dangers. Instead you have to examine what will happen if we do not agree to the American move. Especially when the Palestinian tendency toward unilateral steps is continuing.

I’ve reached the painful conclusion that keeping all the territory means a binational state that will endanger the Zionist enterprise. If we have to give up some of the territory or give up the Jewish and democratic character [of the state] – I prefer to give up some of the territory.

There is tremendous public support with respect to the general lines of a Palestinian state, settlement blocs remaining in Israel’s hands and a united Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty.